Facebook data centre in Meath to create 2,000 construction jobs

Facebook's newest data centre in Co Meath, will be up and running within two years and it will require 2,000 construction jobs to build.

The 31,000 sq m facility in Clonee - the second of its kind for the company in Europe - will be powered entirely by renewable energy, wind.

Construction work is due to start within months and Facebook said the site would be packed with cutting-edge technology, making it one of the most advanced, efficient, and sustainable data centres in the world.

According to the Irish Times, the building of the €200m data centre will create 2,000 construction jobs and it is expected to open in early 2018.

One up and running, the building will require 150 staff.

Ireland has been home to Facebook's international headquarters since 2009.

Gareth Lambe, head of Facebook Ireland, said he was excited about the investment.

"Like its predecessors, this project will generate hundreds of millions of euro in economic activity and support hundreds of jobs in the local community," he added.